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Academic and Governance Student Representatives

Academic and Governance Student Representatives (ASR) play a vital role in bridging the gap between students and the University through being an important member in decision making at USQ. The committees on which the Academic and Governance Representatives sit can be Faculty and School Committees or USQ Wide and Divisional Committees. Regardless of the committee, becoming a student representative allows you to:

  • contribute to decision making at USQ
  • represent students needs to the university
  • network with professionals at USQ
  • participate in professional development and training
  • have a say in how your Student Amenities Fee is spent.
'As an Academic Student Representative (ASR), I feel like I can influence academic policy making and provide the student voice on important issues. Being able to see the difference students can make when working with senior members of USQ empowers me to make the most of my opportunities as an ASR, whether providing guidance on new policies or advising on the impact of upcoming restructures.'
Ashley Woods, Academic Student Representative - USQ Research Committee

Semester one nominations for Academic Student Representatives are now closed.

The semester two nominations round for the Academic Student Representatives will open on Friday, 8 July 2022, and further details about information sessions will be released in early July.

As a volunteer Academic Student Representative, you will be representing the voice of all USQ Students to ensure the best possible experience at USQ.

You will work in partnership with university staff and attend university committee meetings to shape the future of the university for yourself, your peers and future students.

As a member of a USQ committee, you will have several important responsibilities: 

  1. Provide regular updates to the committee via written report or where appropriate verbal on matters such as the specific degree and course modules, learning environment, resources, diversity and inclusion and general university functions  
  2. Gathering the opinions and views of students and presenting them at meetings on their behalf
  3. Provide both positive and negative feedback to staff and fellow students
  4. Continuously improve the student learning experience by attending committee meetings, raising issues and working in partnership with the university to identify appropriate solutions 
  5. Be the student voice on university projects and consultation processes
  6. As a member of the University community, demonstrate the highest possible standards of professional and personal conduct, both as an individual and as part of a team, commit to regular engagement in personal, professional and team development

Hear what some of our fantastic Student Representatives have to say about what it's like (Youtube, 2:02) and why you should get involved (YouTube, 1:26).

Academic and Governance Student Representative logo

In addition to being actively involved in creating your learning environment in partnership with the University, you will gain a multitude of valuable skills for your future career and have access to a number of benefits including:

  • Formal training and development to fully equip you for your role 
  • Exclusive access to LinkedIn Learning 
  • Exclusive access to Cultural Capability Training 
  • Opportunities to develop your graduate skills through real world work experience
  • Opportunities to develop and enhance your leadership and professional skills
  • Real world work experience in formal meetings and negotiating for mutual benefit  
  • Opportunities to build your confidence, communication and resilience skills  
  • Formal recognition of your work 
  • Access to funded student leadership conferences around Australia
  • Opportunities to meet new people and make lifelong friends

Formal semester one nominations for Academic Student Representatives are now closed. However there are some committees and positions that still require representation.

If you are interested in making the student voice heard, enhancing the student university experience and developing your graduate skills, the Academic Student Representative positions are for you!

You can choose to become a Student Representative for your Faculty, School or general University Committee, and all of these committees provide you with the opportunity to be involved in decisions that are made about your University experience, and enact change. For more information about the Academic Student Representative roles, you can view the overarching Student Representative position description.

How to apply

If you are interested in pursuing an academic student representative role, open the 'Available positions' sections of this page to see a full list of committees that are seeking representation.
As part of your application form, you will need to write a small statement of interest, which in the event of an election will be published on the USQ electronic elections system for all students to view and vote on your nomination. As a result, this statement should inform your fellow students why you are applying for this role and why they should choose you for this role.

Other information to consider including in your statement could be:

  • Why do you want to become a representative at USQ
  • What does being a student representative mean to you
  • What are some of your interests
  • What are some of your past experiences

To apply for one of the positions listed in the Available positions tab, you will need to complete the online nomination form.  This nomination form is through the USQ Access portal and you can log in using your normal student log in details. 

For any questions, please email USQ Representation.

Nominate now

To apply for one or more of the positions listed below, you will need to complete the online application form.

If you have any questions about Student Representative positions, please contact Student Life or view the overarching Student Representative Position Description (PDF).
Committee Standard Term of office Function Available Positions Level of commitment
BMID Midwifery Advisory Committee 1 Year The BMID Midwifery Advisory Committee is a collaboration between USQ and External Partners in relation to delivery of program, placements and accreditation. One second year Bachelor of Midwifery Student Representative The BMID Midwifery Advisory Committee meets four times per year with meetings being scheduled for two hours each meeting. As the student representative you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
BNSG Nursing Advisory Committee 1 Year The BNSG Nursing Advisory Committee is a collaboration between USQ and External Partners in relation to delivery of program, placements and accreditation.

One Postgraduate Nursing Student Representative

 The BNSG Committee meets twice a year with meetings being scheduled for two hours each meeting. As the student representative you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
Education Committee (AB Standing Committee) 1 Year The Education Committee is a Standing Committee of Academic Board and is responsible to Academic Board for quality assurance processes for learning and teaching to promote an academic culture of excellence and to ensure positive student outcomes.

One elected Postgraduate Coursework student from the Business, Education, Law and Arts Faculty, elected by and from the Postgraduate Coursework students of the University 

 Education Committee has six scheduled meetings throughout the year, normally on a Thursday afternoon, for a duration of two hours per meeting. As a student representative, you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
HES Faculty Academic Program Committee 1 Year The Faculty Academic Program Committee is responsible to the Executive Dean for the quality assurance of programs and courses offered by the Faculty.

One Postgraduate Student Member elected by and from the students enrolled in programs offered by the Faculty

 The HES FAPC meets on the first Tuesday of each month from February to December. As a student representative you will be requested to attend these meetings and will have the opportunity to provide student perspective during discussion items.
HES Faculty Diversity & Inclusion Committee 1 Year The Faculty Diversity & Inclusion Committee is responsible to the Executive Dean for oversight and reporting on strategies and initiatives to encourage and enable a fair, inclusive and diverse environment in which the Faculty’s students and staff are able to perform to their full potential.

One Undergraduate Student Member (enrolled at Toowoomba or Ipswich campus)

One Undergraduate Student Member (enrolled at Springfield campus)

 The HES Faculty Diversity & Inclusion Committee meets at least quarterly. As the student representative, you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
HES Faculty Research Committee 1 Year The Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences Research Committee is responsible to the Faculty Executive Dean for oversight of research quality and performance. The Committee’s main functions and responsibilities are to ensure high quality Faculty research and research training performance that this is aligned with the USQ Research Strategic plan. One Higher Degree by Research Student Member as determined by Faculty Research Committee Members The School Research Committee meets at least quarterly for 1.5 to 2 hours. Special meetings may be called by the Chair as the need arises. The HDR student representative member will be required to attend these meetings. The HDR student member may be invited to submit a HDR update for these meetings.
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Learning, Teaching, and Student Success Committee 1 Year The School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Learning, Teaching & Student Success Committee is responsible to the Head of School for oversight of learning and teaching performance, and, student experience in the programs and courses offered by the School.

One Postgraduate Student Representative from within the School

 The School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences LT&SS Committee will meet 10 times per year, i.e. once a month during semester one and semester two. Special meetings may be called by the Chair as the need arises. The student representatives who are members of the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Learning, Teaching and Student Success committee will take on an advisory role to provide valuable student perspectives and inputs into the directions and designs of programs and courses administered by the School. The School very much needs representatives from the student body to provide insights into the current student experience that will contribute greatly and have great impact in the development of new programs and initiatives. Membership in this committee will provide the student representatives valuable insights and experience in the inner workings of the University.
School of Business Research Committee 1 Year The School of Business Research Committee is responsible to the Head of School for oversight of research quality and performance. One Higher Degree Research student representative The School of Business Research Committee will meet at least four times a year as needed.
School of Creative Arts Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee 1 Year The Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee is responsible for advising the Head of School/College in relation to any issue relevant to the quality assurance, conduct and performance of coursework programs (including accreditations); student retention and progression; and engagement with students.

One Higher Degree Research student representative from within the school

 The School LT&SS Committee meets at least six times per year. Special meetings may be called by the Chair as the need arises. Your role will be to provide a student perspective on undergraduate, post graduate and HDR courses, both current and future courses. Also provide student insight to student retention and progression.
School of Creative Arts Research and Research Training Committee 1 Year This Committee will play an important role in providing communication links between the school/college and the newly established Graduate Research School.Your role will be to provide a student perspective on the HDR student experience in the School of Creative Arts, the Graduate Research School and Centre for Culture and Heritage. Assist in advocating a HDR/early career creative research culture and training within the School of Creative Arts. This can include leading post graduate seminars, symposiums and showcases, participating in community of practice and the developments of workshops for students. The Student Representative will be encouraged to mentor other students. They may also be required to assist with ERA data collection, reporting process and training.

One Higher Degree Research Student Representative

One Doctor of Creative Arts Student Representative

 Monthly meeting of two hours duration. For some meetings an hour or two of preparation (reading of documents) will be required.
School of Education Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee 1 Year The Learning, Teaching, and Student Success Committee is responsible for advising the Head of School in relation to any issue relevant to the quality assurance, conduct and performance of coursework programs; student retention and progression; and engagement with students. One Undergraduate Student Representative enrolled in one of these programs: BECH, BEED, BPED, BSED The School Learning, Teaching, and Student Success Committee meets at least six times per year. Special meetings may be called by the Chair as the need arises. Your role will be to provide a student perspective on courses, both current and future, and provide student insight into student retention and progression.
School of Humanities and Communications Advisory Board 1 Year The Advisory Board provides an important opportunity for industry and external stakeholders to provide feedback to the Head of School and Program Directors on a range of matters, including curriculum design and industry needs, providing insight and advice on current and potential programs, with respect to the profession/industry and employment in the area of study to which it applies. The Board may also provide input to any programming changes under consideration as well as research directions and industry engagement opportunities.

One Undergraduate Student Representative from within the School

One Postgraduate Student Representative from within the School

 The Advisory Board will meet at least two times per year, with dates to be confirmed during the first meeting.
School of Humanities and Communications Learning, Teaching and Student Success committee 1 Year The learning, teaching and student success committee considers issues and the implementation of initiatives relating to learning and teaching quality, curriculum design and program offerings, and student success.

One Undergraduate Student Representative from within the School

One Postgraduate Student Representative from within the School

 Committee meetings are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month, with a minimum number of meetings to be held 6 times per year.
School of Humanities and Communications Research Committee 1 Year The Committee’s functions and responsibilities are to monitor, review and make recommendations to the Executive Dean on research quality and performance within the School. One Higher Degree Research Student Representative from within the School Committee meetings are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month, with a minimum number of meetings to be held 6 times per year.
School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing Forum 1 Year The role of the School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing Forum is to advise and assist the Head of School in the conduct and management of the programs within the School; and implementation of teaching, research, and service activities associated with the School.

One Undergraduate Student Representative from within the Schools

One Postgraduate Student Representative from within the Schools

 The School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing Forum meets every month for two (2) hours at specific dates and times determined at the beginning of each year. As the student representative, you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee 1 Year The School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing Learning, Teaching & Student Success Committee is responsible to the Head of School for oversight of learning and teaching performance, and, student experience in the programs and courses offered by the School. One Postgraduate Student Representative enrolled in one of the programs managed by the School of Sciences, i.e. GCAG, GCSC, GDSI, MADS, MSCN, MSCR, DPHD The School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing LT&SS Committee meets six times per year. Special meetings may be called by the Chair as the need arises. The student representatives who are members of the School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing Learning, Teaching and Student Success committee will take on an advisory role to provide valuable student perspectives and inputs into the directions and designs of programs and courses administered by the School. The School very much needs representatives from the student body to provide insights into the current student experience that will contribute greatly and have great impact in the development of new programs and initiatives. Membership in this committee will provide the student representatives valuable insights and experience in the inner workings of the University.
School of Nursing and Midwifery Forum 1 Year The School of Nursing and Midwifery is a collaboration between school members and the wider USQ committee when invited to discuss School related matters in relation to the delivery of programs within the school.

One Bachelor of Midwifery Student Representative elected by and from the students enrolled in the School programs

One Postgraduate Student Representative elected by and from the students enrolled in the School programs

 The School of Nursing and Midwifery Forum meets once a month for nine months of the year with meetings being scheduled for two hours each meeting. As the student representative you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.Students are required to provide written reports for circulation to the other members of this forum.
School of Nursing and Midwifery Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee 1 Year The learning, teaching and student success committee considers issues and the implementation of initiatives relating to learning and teaching quality, curriculum design and program offerings, and student success. One Student Representative from within the School The Committee meets monthly (third Wednesday of each month) throughout the year for a duration of two hours per meeting. As the student representative, you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
School of Nursing and Midwifery Outreach, Engagement and International Committee 1 Year The Outreach, Engagement and International Committee will address issues related to the school in outreach as well as professional and industry engagement, as well as promotion and support of International Programs and students. This Committee reports to the School of Nursing & Midwifery Forum, the School of Nursing & Midwifery Executive and the Head of School. The Committee may make recommendations to the Divisional Learning and Teaching Committee and other committees or relevant persons such as the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching.

One Undergraduate Online Student Representative

One Undergraduate Ipswich Student Representative

One Undergraduate Springfield Student Representative

One Undergraduate Toowoomba Student Representative

One Postgraduate Student Representative

 The School of Nursing and Midwifery Outreach, Engagement and International Committee meets at least four (4) times a year for two (2) hours. As the student representative, you will be required to attend the School Outreach, Engagement and International meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
School of Psychology and Wellbeing Learning, Teaching and Success Committee 1 Year The purpose of the committee is to evaluate and make recommendations to the Head of School on a number of learning, teaching, and student success related matters.

One Student Representative from within the Counselling discipline 

 The Committee meets at least six (6) times throughout the year for a duration of two hours per meeting. As the student representative, you will be required to attend these meetings and provide you own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
School of Surveying and Built Environment Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee
 1 Year
 The School of Surveying and Built Environment Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee considers issues and the implementation of initiatives relating to learning and teaching quality, curriculum design and program offerings, and student success.
 One Undergraduate or Postgraduate Student Representative from within the School
 The School Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee meets monthly, during the third week of each month, for a duration of approximately one and a half hours (1.5 hours) per meeting. Special meetings may be called by the Chair as the need arises.
School of Surveying and Built Environment Outreach and Engagement Committee 1 Year The Outreach and Engagement Committee is responsible for raising the school’s profile and reputation with stakeholders through professional, industry, and corporate events. The committee will work together with other engagement and outreach teams within the university, faculty, schools and research institutes, to discuss strategies to enhance and improve the quality of engagement and outreach projects within the School of Surveying and Built Environment. One Student Representative who is 3rd or 4th year Undergraduate or Postgraduate The Committee normally meets monthly in person or via Zoom. Special meetings may also be called when necessary. As the student representative, you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.
School of Surveying and Built Environment Research Committee
 1 Year The purpose of the committee is to evaluate and make recommendations to the Head of School on a number of research related matters and drive research training and research outputs within the School.
 One Higher Degree by Research student enrolled within the School of Surveying and Built Environment
 The Committee normally meets every two (2) months. Special meetings may also be called when necessary. As the student representative, you will be required to attend these meetings and provide your own perspective as a student and provide the perspectives of your fellow students.  

Committee Representative*
10th University Council John Dowling
Academic Appeals Committee
 Rachel Conway (UG)
Oliver de Nicolai (PG)
Academic Board Melissa Ward (UG)
Adam Schmidt (PG)
Lolita Aranas (HDR
Academic Program Committee (AB Standing Committee)
Danielle Nottage (UG BELA)
Murtaza Aziz Ahmad (UG HES)
Rachelle Jones (PG BELA)
Adam Schmidt (PG HES)
Danielle Shaw (HDR)
BELA Diversity and Inclusion Committee Fatima Damarda (UG TWB)
Rachel Leslie (HDR)
BELA Faculty Academic Program Committee (FAPC)
 Samantha Pederick (UG)
BELA Faculty Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee
 Emma Baillie (UG)
Matthew Endo (PG)
BELA Faculty Research Committee
 Cameron Meiklejohn (HDR)
BMID Midwifery Advisory Committee
 Victoria Kamen (FY)
Education Board of Study (School of Education)
 Sarah Woodcock (UG)
Claudia Pfeiffer (PG)
Education Quality Committee (AB Standing Committee)
 Grant Vickery (UG HES)
Vanessa Crouch (HDR)
Employability Working Party
 Cameron Meiklejohn
HES Faculty Academic Program Committee
 Murtaza Aziz Ahmad (UG)
Heather McAulliffe (PG)_
HES Faculty Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee
 Murtaza Aziz Ahmad (UG)
Muhammad Dawood Waheed (UG)
Neville Madden (HDR)
Industry Advisory Board (Study of ICT)
 Kenish Shrestha (UG)
Keziah Elsa John (PG)
Industry Advisory Committee (Mechanical and Mechatronic)
 Kate McCullough (UG)
(Christian) Robert Dart (UG)
Learning and Teaching Environments Working Party
 Mark Clarkson (Online)
Reconciliation Action Plan Working Party
 Joshua Waters
Research Committee (AB Standing Committee)
 Ashley Woods (HDR)
Mark Clarkson (HDR)
Research Training Sub-Committee
 Shauna Fjaagesund (HES)
Tara East (BELA)
Scholarships Working Party
 Samantha Pederick
School of Creative Arts Engagement Committee
 London Elliott (UG)
School of Creative Arts Learning & Teaching & Student Success Committee
 Shruthika Palvannan (UG)
School of Health and Wellbeing Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee
 Melanie Sienkiewicz-Grob (UG)
School of Health and Wellbeing Post Graduate Committee
 Kurt Vogel (PG)
School of Health and Wellbeing Research Committee
 Dinuki Seneviratne (HDR)
School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Outreach and Engagement Committee
 Darcy Mossman
School of Nursing and Midwifery Forum
 Alex Baker (BNSG)
School of Nursing and Midwifery Outreach, Engagement and International Committee
 Nomqhele (Que) L Mabaleka (UG IPS)
School of Nursing and Midwifery Research and Research Training Committee
 Barbara Black (HDR)
School of Psychology and Counselling Forum
 Tamara Erbacher (UG PSY)
Gemma Davie (UG HON)
School of Psychology and Counselling Learning, Teaching and Success Committee
 Tiarn Barton-Illic
School of Psychology and Counselling Research Committee
 Luke Bayliss (HDR)
School of Science Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee
 Katrina Owens (UG)
School of Sciences Forum
 Caleb Genrich (UG)
Neville Madden (HDR)
Schools of Civil Engineering and Surveying & Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee
 Murtaza Aziz Ahmad (CS)
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Workforce Strategy Committee
 Joshua Waters
The HES Faculty Diversity & Inclusion Committee
 Aidan Roache (UG)
Clayton Lees (UG)
Barbara Black (HDR)
The HES Faculty Research Committee
 Dinuki Seneviratne (HES)
The University of Southern Queensland Student Guild Board of Directors
 Sherrie Wilson
Ashley Woods
Tom Smith
Gene Clarke
Dinuki Seneviratne
USQ School of Law and Justice Advisory Board
 Tracy Bowen (UG)
Matthew Endo (PG)
Timothy Nugent (HDR)

*UG Undergraduate; PG Postgraduate; HDR Higher Degree Research; BELA Business, Education, Law and Arts Faculty; HES Health, Engineering and Sciences Faculty; FY First Year; SY Second Year; TY Third Year; TWB Toowoomba; IPS Ipswich; SPF Springfield; BNSG Bachelor of Nursing; PSY Psychology; CS Civil and Surveying; HON Honours.

 

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